Roof Ridge Vortex Suppressor Including Opposite-Facing Segments

ABSTRACT

A roof ridge vortex suppressor may include a base portion configured to be attached to a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar first and second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge. An upright member may extend from the base portion and may be configured to extend generally vertically upward and away from the roof ridge. The upright member may include a plurality of perforations. First and second segments may extend away from the upright portion. The first segment may be configured to extend generally horizontally in a first direction, and the second segment may be configured to extend generally horizontally in a second direction facing opposite the first direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/360,668, filed Jul. 1, 2010, entitled “Roof RidgeVortex Suppressor Including Opposite-Facing Segments,” which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a roof ridge vortexsuppressor and a vortex suppressing system for mitigating wind-generatedvortices and wind loads associated with pitched roofs.

BACKGROUND

Conventional building construction practices often include installingpitched roofs. Pitched roofs include sloped or angled surfaces that meetat a ridge. As used herein, the term “ridge” includes a generallyhorizontal ridge or a sloped ridge (sometimes called a hip).

In many instances, a pitched roof is susceptible to wind-induced damageat both its ridge and perimeter. Pitched roofs tend to generate strongwind vortices along the ridge and subject this area to severe upwardsuction loads resulting from wind-flows across the ridge. Additionally,the perimeter area of the roof may be damaged by wind-generated vorticesand upward pressure loads resulting from wind-flows coming in contactwith the roof perimeter and/or building surfaces positioned below theroof perimeter.

One way to mitigate wind-induced damage to a pitched roof is tostructurally strengthen the roof by, for example, using more or betterfasteners to connect portions of the roof to each other and to the wallsor frames of a building. Although such structural strengthening may bewell-suited for new construction, it may be costly and ill-suited forretrofits of existing buildings. Moreover, structural strengtheningcannot always counteract the large forces resulting from high winds of,for example, hurricanes and blizzards. Thus, even structurallystrengthened pitched roofs are sometimes severely damaged and/or blownoff of buildings by wind-generated vortices and upward pressure loadsresulting from wind.

The disclosed subject matter is directed to overcoming one or more ofthe problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments of thepresent invention will become evident. It should be understood that theinvention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having oneor more features of these aspects and embodiments. In other words, theseaspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

The present disclosure is related to a roof ridge vortex suppressor thatmay include a base portion configured to be attached to a pitched roofhaving sloped, generally planar first and second surfaces intersectingwith one another at a roof ridge. The suppressor may include an uprightportion extending from the base portion and being configured to extendgenerally vertically upward and away from the roof ridge. The uprightportion may include a plurality of perforations. Additionally, a firstsegment may extend away from an upper part of the upright portion andmay be configured to extend generally horizontally in a first direction,and a second segment may extend away from the upper part of the uprightportion and may be configured to extend generally horizontally in asecond direction facing opposite the first direction.

In another aspect of the disclosure, either or both of the first segmentand the second segment may include perforations.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the perforations may define anopen area in the upright portion, which is not less than about 35% of atotal area of the upright portion.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a free end of at least one of thefirst segment and the second segment may include at least one ofserrations and undulations.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, the base portion may includefirst and second base members, the first base member being configured tobe attached to the first surface and the second base member beingconfigured to be attached to the second surface. In this aspect, theupright portion may include first and second upright members, the firstupright member may extend from first base member to the first segment,and the second upright member may extend from the second base member tothe second segment.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the first base member, the firstupright member, and the first segment may be integrally defined by afirst single piece of material, and the second base member, the secondupright member, and the second segment may be integrally defined by asecond single piece of material.

In an even further aspect of the disclosure, an angle defined by thefirst upright member and the first base member may be substantiallyidentical to an angle defined by the second upright member and thesecond base member.

In another aspect of the disclosure, each of the first upright memberand the second upright member may have perforations, at least some ofthe perforations of the first upright member may be substantiallyaligned with at least some of the perforations of the second uprightmember.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a respective angle of about 90°may be defined by the upright portion and each of the first and secondsegments.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, the roof ridge vortexsuppressor may be elongated such that a length of the roof ridge vortexsuppressor extends in a length direction of the roof ridge.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a generally horizontal distancefrom the upright portion to a free edge of the first segment may beabout 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance from the baseportion to the first segment.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a generally horizontal distancefrom the upright portion to a free edge of the second segment may beabout 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance from the baseportion to the second segment.

In one more aspect of the disclosure, a vortex suppressing system mayinclude the roof ridge vortex suppressor and a fascia member attached toa perimeter of the roof, the fascia member extending generally outwardlyaway from the perimeter of the roof and being generally curved to definea generally arch-shaped cross-sectional shape of an outer face of thefascia member.

In still another aspect of the disclosure, a vortex suppressing systemmay include the roof ridge vortex suppressor and a screen portionattached to a perimeter of the roof, the screen portion extendinggenerally laterally outwardly away from the perimeter of the roof to afree end of the screen portion, at least part of a top surface of thescreen portion being substantially coplanar with the first surface ofthe pitched roof.

Aside from the arrangement set forth above, the invention could includea number of other arrangements such as those explained hereinafter. Itis to be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthis specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and,together with the description, serve to explain some principles of theinvention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary vortex suppressing systemassociated with an exemplary pitched roof;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary roof ridge vortex suppressorof the vortex suppressing system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another exemplary roof ridge vortexsuppressor;

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of an exemplary upright member of a roofridge vortex suppressor;

FIG. 4B is a schematic view of another exemplary upright member havingan exemplary top portion;

FIG. 4C is a schematic view of yet another exemplary upright member andtop portion;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary fascia member of the vortexsuppressing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary vortexsuppressing system that includes two of the fascia members of FIG. 5associated with the pitched roof of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary fascia member;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another alternative exemplary fasciamember;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an exemplary windscreen of a vortexsuppressing system;

FIG. 10A is a schematic view of an exemplary screen portion of awindscreen;

FIG. 10B is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary screen portion;

FIG. 10C is a schematic view of another alternative exemplary screenportion;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another alternative exemplary vortexsuppressing system associated with the pitched roof of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary windscreen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or likeparts.

According to features and principles of the present disclosure, a vortexsuppressing system may comprise a roof ridge vortex suppressor forattachment to a pitched roof at or near its ridge. It is contemplatedthat the vortex suppressing system may be arranged to mitigatewind-generated vortices and wind loads at or near the roof ridge. Insome exemplary embodiments, the system may include the roof ridge vortexsuppressor in combination with one or more perimeter vortex suppressorsattached to the roof at or near its perimeter and arranged to mitigatewind-generated vortices and wind loads at or near the perimeter.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an exemplary building 100 may have a pitchedroof 105, a first wall 110 a, and a second wall 110 b. For example,building 100 may be a residential, commercial, industrial, or other typeof building. Regardless of the type of building 100, it is contemplatedthat pitched roof 105 may include a first sloped, generally planarsurface 120 a; a second, sloped generally planar surface 120 b; a roofridge 130; a peak 135; a gap 137; structural perimeter 150; bargeboards155; trim members 157; rafters 160; sheathing 163; and vortexsuppressing system 165. The sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b, may be definedby a top face of a roof covering (e.g., shingles, tile pieces, metal, orother roof covering) that is normally exposed to natural elements (e.g.,wind, rain, and sun). The sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b may also definean angle θ. It is contemplated that angle θ is less than 180°, andgenerally in the range of 60° to 160°.

The sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b intersect with one another at a roofridge 130 of pitched roof 105. This intersecting of the surfaces may bedirect or indirect. For example, sloped surfaces 120 a and 120 b mayindirectly intersect with one another via a roof ridge cap 135 of roofridge 130. Roof ridge cap 135 may overlap sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 band may create a water tight seal along roof ridge 130. In embodimentswhere sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b are indirectly joined by roof ridgecap 135, a gap 137 may be formed between sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b atroof ridge 130. Roof ridge cap 135 optionally may include a vent (notshown) to provide venting for a building space, such as an attic, belowthe roof 105. In some instances, the roof ridge cap 135 may extend abovethe respective planes defined by the generally sloped surfaces 120 a and120 b.

Whether or not roof ridge 130 includes roof ridge cap 135, each ofsloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b may extend generally outwardly and slopegenerally downwardly from roof ridge 130. The sloped surfaces 120 a, 120b may extend outwardly beyond a respective wall 110 of building 100 andpossibly also extend outwardly beyond a structural perimeter 150 ofpitched roof 105. Structural perimeter 150 comprises the outermostsurfaces of the portions of pitched roof 105 that are positioned belowsloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b. For example, these portions may includebargeboards 155, trim members 157, rafters 160, sheathing 163, or otherportions of pitched roof 105 that are positioned below sloped surfaces120 a, 120 b. It is contemplated that bargeboards 155, trim members 157,rafters 160, sheathing 163, or other portions of pitched roof 105 may beconventional building construction materials.

As mentioned above, sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b may extend outwardlybeyond respective walls 110. It should be understood, however, thatsloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b need not extend outwardly beyond respectivewalls 110. For example, in some embodiments (not shown), sloped surface120 a or sloped surface 120 b may extend outwardly from roof ridge 130toward another roof ridge (not shown) or another wall (not shown).

Vortex suppressing system 165 may be associated with pitched roof 105 ofbuilding 100. Vortex suppressing system 165 may comprise roof ridgevortex suppressor 170 alone or in combination with one or more perimetervortex suppressors 175. Roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may bepositioned at or near roof ridge 130 and may be configured to reducewind-generated vortices and loads in this area, consequently minimizingthe risk of the roof 150 being damaged by high winds. Perimeter vortexsuppressor 175 may be positioned along perimeter 150, and may beconfigured to reduce wind-generated vortices and loads in this area,thereby also minimizing the risk of roof damage caused by high winds.Although FIG. 1 illustrates vortex suppressing system 165 as includingtwo different types of perimeter vortex suppressors 175 (fascia member175 a and windscreen 175 b, described in more detail below), it shouldbe understood that vortex suppressing system 165 may include only asingle type of perimeter vortex suppressor 175. Moreover, someembodiments of vortex suppressing system 165 may include no perimetervortex suppressors 175. It is contemplated, however, that combining roofridge vortex suppressor 170 with one or more perimeter vortexsuppressors 175 may maximize the mitigation of wind-generated vorticesand wind loads potentially impacting roof 105, since vortices generatedfrom roof ridge and from roof perimeter will both be mitigated such thatthe roof will be better protected from potential wind damage.

Roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may extend in generally the samedirection as a length of roof ridge 130. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, roofridge vortex suppressor 170 may include base portions 180 a, 180 b;fasteners 185; upright portion(s) 190, 190 a, 190 b; top portion 195;segments 195 a, 195 b; upper part 197, and free ends 205 a, 205 b.

Referring to FIG. 2, one or more base portions 180 a, 180 b (first baseportion 180 a and second base portion 180 b) of the suppressor 170 maycontact pitched roof 105 near roof ridge 130. Each of the base portion180 a, 180 b may be shaped to generally conform to respective slopedsurfaces 120 a, 120 b and may be attached to the respective slopedsurfaces 120 a, 120 b using any form of fastening arrangement. Exemplaryfastening arrangements may include adhesive, a nail, a screw, tape, acleat, a wire, a clip, and/or other fastener. As shown in FIG. 2, forexample, at least one respective fastener 185 may be used to attach eachof base portions 180 a, 180 b to sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b. However,it is contemplated that sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b may alternativelybe asymmetrical, and tailored for the specific configuration of roof 105near ridge 130 and/or the prevailing wind direction.

Regardless of the type of fasteners 185 used, base portions 180 a, 180 bmay be attached to sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b in a manner thatpositions the base portions 180 a, 180 b above the respective slopedsurfaces 120 a, 120 b without causing any substantial risk of waterleakage through the sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the suppressor 170 includes an upright portion 190that extends away from the base portions 180 a, 180 b and in a generallyvertical, upward direction when the base portions 180 a, 180 b is/areattached to the respective sloped surface 120 a, 120 b. An angle α,defined between upright portion 190 and first base portion 180 a, may besubstantially identical to an angle β, defined between upright portion190 and second base portion 180 b, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Theseangles are substantially equal to the sum of a right angle (90°) and theroof pitch angle. In this configuration roof ridge vortex suppressor 170may be substantially symmetric about a plane P bisecting an angledefined by sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b at roof ridge 130, asillustrated in FIG. 2. It should be understood, however, that the layoutand angular disposition of upright portion 190 and base portions 180 a,180 b may vary based on, for example, the construction of pitched roof105, whether building 100 is being retrofitted, or construction cost. Itis contemplated that the substantially symmetrical configuration of roofridge vortex suppressor 170 may allow for reduction of wind-generatedvortices without being significantly impacted by the particular winddirection. Nevertheless, since some pitched roofs may have differentslopes across the ridge, it is contemplated that roof ridge vortexsuppressor 170 may alternatively be asymmetrical and tailored for thedifferent slopes.

As also illustrated in FIG. 2, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 mayfurther comprise a top portion 195 provided at an upper part 197 ofupright portion 190. When the suppressor 190 is attached to roof 105,top portion 195 may extend generally horizontally. As illustrated inFIG. 2, top portion 195 may comprise a first segment 195 a, extendinggenerally horizontally in a first direction from upper part 197 ofupright portion 190 to a first free end 205 a of first segment 195 a,and a second segment 195 b, extending generally horizontally in a seconddirection facing opposite the first direction to a second free end 205 bof second segment 195 b. First segment 195 a is located above slopedsurface 120 a and second segment 195 b is located above sloped surface120 b. In some embodiments, upright portion 190 and each of firstsegment 195 a and second segment 195 b form a respective angle of about90°. The range of the angle, however, may generally fall within 30° to165°. It should be understood, however, that the layout and angulardisposition of upright portion 190 and top portion 195 may vary basedon, for example, the construction of pitched roof 105, whether building100 is being retrofitted, or construction cost. Additionally, agenerally horizontal distance from upright portion 190 to first free end205 a may be in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally verticaldistance along upright member 190 from base portions 180 a, 180 b tofirst segment 195 a. Similarly, a generally horizontal distance fromupright portion 190 to second free end 205 b may be in the range of 0.2to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance along upright member 190 frombase portions 180 a, 180 b to second segment 195 b. For example, thesedistances may fall within a range of about 2 cm to about for thesegments 195 a, 195 b, and a range of about 5 cm to 30 cm for theupright portion 190. It should be understand, however, that thesedistances are exemplary only and may vary.

It is contemplated that roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may comprise asingle, unitary piece of material integrally defining base portions 180a, 180 b, upright portion 190, and top portion 195. For example, roofridge vortex suppressor 170 may be made of a unitary piece of anydurable material that provides mechanical strength and stiffnesssufficient to sustain high winds and other weather elements over time.These include, but are not limited to sheet metal, acrylic, fiberglassor carbon-fiber reinforced composite materials, and extrusion moldedmaterials. Alternatively, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may compriseseparate pieces (e.g., separate base portions 180 a, 180 b, uprightportion 190, and top portion 195) joined together.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, upright portion 190 maycomprise a first upright member 190 a extending in a generally verticaldirection from first base member 180 a to first segment 195 a and asecond upright member 190 b extending in a generally vertical directionfrom second base member 180 b to second segment 195 b. It iscontemplated that first base member 180 a, first upright member 190 a,and first segment 195 a may be defined by a first unitary piece ofmaterial and that second base member 180 b, second upright member 190 b,and second segment 195 b may be defined by a second unitary piece ofmaterial, separate from the first piece of material. Although FIG. 3illustrates the upright members 190 a, 190 b being slightly spacedapart, the upright members 190 a, 190 b could either be in directcontact with one another (e.g., joined together along the uprightmembers 190 a, 190 b) or spaced apart further than the spacing shown inFIG. 3.

It is contemplated that roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may beconfigured to alter wind flow at or near roof ridge 130. For example,referring now to FIGS. 4A-C, regardless of whether upright portion 190,190 a, 190 b comprises a single upright portion 190 or multiple members190 a, 190 b, the upright portion 190, 190 a, 190 b may haveperforations 200, which may act to generally reduce vortices of windflowing over the roof ridge 130. In embodiments including first uprightportion 190 a and second upright portion 190 b, perforations 200 offirst upright portion 190 a may substantially align with perforations200 of second upright portion 190 b. Perforations 200 may equalizepressure across the upright portion 190, 190 a, 190 b above the roofridge 130 through a bleeding or venting effect of wind flow, therebypreventing vortices from forming around and behind the upright portion190, 190 a, 190 b. In addition, the upright portion 190, 190 a, 190 bhaving perforations 200 may break down the wind flow across the roofridge 130 to small and unorganized eddies, may increase wind flowentrainment, and may lead to dissipation of kinetic energy.

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of upright portion 190, 190 a, 190 bhaving perforations 200. It should be understood, however, that thelayout, shapes, and sizes of perforations 200 may vary based on, forexample, aesthetic considerations, and/or manufacturing costs. It iscontemplated the total open surface area defined by the perforations 200is not less than 35% of a total area of upright portion 190, 190 a, 190b (the surface area defined by the material of the upright portion 190,190 a, 190 b, not including the open surface area of the perforations).As shown in FIG. 4A, segment 195 a, 195 b lack perforation and has agenerally straight outer facing free end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, either first segment 195 a, secondsegment 195 b, or both may have a respective free end 205 a, 205 bincluding serrations or undulations 210, which may be semi-circular(referring to FIG. 4B) or triangular (referring to FIG. 4C).Alternatively, serrations or undulations 210 may be square,semi-elliptical, or other shapes. Although all serrations or undulations210 may be the same size and shape, it is contemplated that someembodiments may include serrations or undulations 210 of varying sizeand/or shape. Moreover, it is contemplated that a layout of serrationsor undulations 210 may also vary. For example, serrations or undulations210 having different shapes could be laid out in a particular order orcould be randomly distributed along free ends 205 a, 205 b. It iscontemplated that serrations or undulations 210 may disorganize air flowover free ends 205 a, 205 b, thereby mitigating wind-generated vorticesand wind loads near roof ridge 130. Alternatively or additionally, asillustrated in FIG. 4B, perforations 200 may be defined in either firstsegment 195 a, second segment 195 b, or both.

As previously discussed, vortex suppressing system 165 may also includea fascia member 175 a. As illustrated in FIG. 5, fascia member 175 a maybe attached to perimeter 150 via a fastening arrangement including, forexample, adhesive, a nail, a screw, tape, a cleat, a wire, a clip,and/or other fastener. Fascia member 175 a extends generally outwardlyaway from perimeter 150 and may be hollow or solid. Fascia member 175 amay have an outer face 400 with a generally arch-shaped cross-section,and may be positioned adjacent to sloped surface 120 a. Specifically, atopmost portion 405 of outer face 400 may be positioned adjacent to anedge 410 of sloped surface 120 a and spaced slightly outward from theedge 410 so that the topmost portion 405 and edge 410 define a gap. Suchpositioning may allow rainwater to flow from the sloped surface 120 ainto the gap and then into a channel 412 defined by the fascia member175 a below the gap. In addition, the topmost portion 405 may extendvertically no higher than the plane defined by the sloped surface 120 a.It is contemplated that the shape of outer face 400 may alter wind flownear structural perimeter 150, and thereby mitigate wind-generatedvortices and wind loads near structural perimeter 150.

Although the position of fascia member 175 a has been described withreference to sloped surface 120 a, it should be understood that fasciamember 175 a may alternatively or additionally be positioned adjacent tosloped surface 120 a (referring to FIG. 1). For example, as shown inFIG. 6, fascia member 175 a could extend at least partially along morethan one side of perimeter 150, and be positioned adjacent to multiplesloped, generally planar surfaces 120 a, 120 b of pitched roof 105.

Regardless of the positioning of fascia member 175 a, it is contemplatedthat outer face 400 may be generally curved, but may includesubstantially flat portions 415 (referring to FIG. 7) and/or stepportions 420 (referring to FIG. 8). Substantially flat portions 415 andstep portions 420 may be visually appealing, and may be sized so as toavoid altering the functionality of fascia member 175 a. For example,substantially flat portions 415 may be sized and positioned such that180°−α, where α is an angle between two adjacent portions 415, neverexceeds 55°. And, generally vertical parts 425 of step portions 420 maybe sized such that their vertical heights do not exceed 25% of the totalvertical height H of fascia member 175 a. These arrangements, as taughtherein, may generate small-scale eddies or turbulences that helpmitigate generation or formation of larger scale roof edge vortices,which are the main cause of severe uplift wind loads on a roof near roofedges and are what the present invention is intended to mitigate.

As previously discussed, instead of or in addition to fascia member 175a, vortex suppressing system 165 may include a windscreen 175 b. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, windscreen 175 b may include mounting portion(s)430, a screen portion 435, and an intermediate channel portion 440joining mounting portion(s) 430 to screen portion 435.

Mounting portion(s) 430, which may be shaped to conform to perimeter150, may be attached to perimeter 150 by any type of fasteningarrangement, which may include, for example, adhesive, a nail, a screw,tape, a cleat, a wire, a clip, and/or other fastener. As shown in FIG.9, for example, fasteners 445 may be used to attach mounting portion(s)430 to perimeter 150.

Regardless of how mounting portion(s) 430 is/are attached to perimeter150, it is contemplated that windscreen 175 b may be positioned suchthat the screen portion 435 extends generally laterally and outwardlyaway from perimeter 150 with at least a portion of screen portion 435being substantially coplanar with sloped surface 120 b of pitched roof105. For example, a part of top surface 450 of screen portion 435 may besubstantially coplanar with sloped surface 120 b, and may extend fromintermediate channel portion 440 to a free end 455 of screen portion435. It is contemplated that an end part of screen portion 435, whichincludes free end 455, may bend and/or extend generally downward fromthe plane defined by sloped surface 120 b. Alternatively, the end partof screen portion 435 may be substantially coplanar with sloped surface120 b.

Screen portion 435 is configured to alter wind flow near perimeter 150.For example, screen portion 435 may include perforations 460 (referringto FIG. 10A), serrations 465 (referring to FIG. 10B), or bothperforations 460 and serrations 465 (referring to FIG. 10C).

FIG. 10A illustrates one embodiment including perforations 460. Itshould be understood, however, that the layout, shapes, and sizes ofperforations 460 may vary based on, for example, aestheticconsiderations, and/or manufacturing costs. The open area of the screenportion 435, i.e., the entire area occupied by the open space of theperforations 460 as compared to the total area of top surface 450(including the solid surface area and the area occupied by the openspace of the perforations 460), from about 25% to about 75%, e.g., fromabout 35% to about 65%, and preferably about 50%. It is contemplatedthat pressures on opposite surfaces of screen portion 435 may equalizevia perforations 460, thereby mitigating wind-generated vortices andwind loads near structural perimeter 150.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10B and 10C, free end 455 may include serrations465, which may be semi-circular (referring to FIG. 10B) or triangular(referring to FIG. 10C). Alternatively, serrations 465 may be square,semi-elliptical, or other shapes. Although all serrations 465 of freeend 455 may be the same size and shape, it is contemplated that someembodiments may include serrations 465 of varying size and/or shape.Moreover, it is contemplated that a layout of serrations 465 may alsovary. For example, serrations 465 having different shapes could be laidout in a particular order or could be randomly distributed along freeend 455. It is contemplated that serrations 465 may disorganize air flowover free end 455, thereby mitigating wind-generated vortices and windloads near perimeter 150.

As previously discussed, mounting portion(s) 430 and screen portion 435may be joined by intermediate channel portion 440. As illustrated inFIG. 9, intermediate channel portion 440 may be generally “V” shaped.Upon installation of windscreen 175 b, it is contemplated that the “V”shape may be oriented with its opening facing generally upwards.Further, it is contemplated that intermediate channel portion 440 may bepositioned adjacent to edge 470 of sloped surface 120 b, and below a gapdefined by the edge 470 and an inner end 472 of the screen portion 435.Such positioning may allow rainwater to flow from sloped surface 120 b,into the gap and then into channel portion 440. In some embodiments,drain holes (not shown) may be provided in channel portion 440. It iscontemplated that channel portion 440 may protect an underside of slopedsurface 120 b at or near edge 470 from upward wind flow and pressure.

Although the position of windscreen 175 b has been described withreference to sloped surface 120 b, it should be understood thatwindscreen 175 b may alternatively or additionally be positionedadjacent to sloped surface 120 a (referring to FIG. 1). For example, asshown in FIG. 11, windscreen 175 b could extend at least partially alongmore than one side of perimeter 150, and windscreen 175 b could bepositioned adjacent to multiple sloped, generally planar surfaces 120 a,120 b of pitched roof 105.

Some embodiments of windscreen 175 b may not include intermediatechannel portion 440. In these embodiments, mounting portion(s) 430 maybe joined directly to screen portion 435, as illustrated in FIG. 12, andan innermost part 475 of screen portion 435 may be positioned slightlybelow sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b at or near edges 410, 470. Suchpositioning may allow rainwater to flow off of sloped surfaces 120 a,120 b, onto screen portion 435, and off of building 100.

Regardless of what roof ridge vortex suppressors 170 and perimetervortex suppressors 175 that vortex suppressing system 165 includes, itis contemplated that vortex suppressing system 165 may be installedduring initial construction of building 100 and/or during a retrofit ofa previously constructed building 100 at some later date. In eithercase, for example, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may be installedover roof ridge 130 to suppress wind-generated vortices and wind loadsnear roof ridge 130. In particular, the installation of roof ridgevortex suppressor 170 may include attaching base portions 180 a, 180 bto sloped surfaces 120 a, 120 b, respectively, using any of thefastening arrangements discussed above. Alternatively or additionally,and before or after the installation of roof ridge vortex suppressor170, fascia member 175 a and/or windscreen 175 b may be installed tosuppress wind-generated vortices and wind loads near perimeter 150. Forexample, the installation of fascia member 175 a and/or windscreen 175 bmay include attaching fascia member 175 a and/or windscreen 175 b toperimeter 150 using any of the fastening arrangements discussed above.

It is contemplated that the installation of vortex suppressing system165 may redefine the exterior shape of pitched roof 105. The redefinedshape may prevent accelerated wind-flows across roof ridge 130 and/orperimeter 150. Such modification of the wind-flows may prevent and/orreduce the strength of wind vortices and/or wind loads near roof ridge130 and/or perimeter 150, thereby minimizing cyclic loads on componentsof roof 105 resulting from recurring winds, and reducing the chances ofdamage due to material fatigue.

The embodiments and aspects of the disclosure described above are notrestrictive of the invention as claimed. Other embodiments consistentwith features and principles are included in the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, embodiments including features disclosed in thefigures of, and in column 3, line 39, to column 4, line 45; column 4,line 62, to column 5, line 17; and column 5, line 40, to column 6, line12, of U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,618, which are incorporated herein byreference, are included in the scope of the present invention.Additionally, embodiments including features disclosed in the figuresof, and in paragraphs [0025]-[0029] and [0031]-[0033] of U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2006/0016130, which are incorporated hereinby reference, are included in the scope of the present invention.

In the foregoing description, various features are grouped together forpurposes of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure isnot to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims requiremore features than are expressly recited. Rather, as the followingclaims reflect, inventive aspects may relate to fewer than all featuresof any particular embodiment disclosed herein.

1. A roof ridge vortex suppressor, comprising: a base portion configuredto be attached to a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar firstand second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge; anupright portion extending from the base portion and being configured toextend generally vertically upward and away from the roof ridge, theupright portion including a plurality of perforations; a first segmentextending away from an upper part of the upright portion and beingconfigured to extend generally horizontally in a first direction; and asecond segment extending away from the upper part of the upright portionand being configured to extend generally horizontally in a seconddirection facing opposite the first direction.
 2. The roof ridge vortexsuppressor of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first segment and thesecond segment includes perforations.
 3. The roof ridge vortexsuppressor of claim 1, wherein an open area defined by the uprightportion is not less than about 35% of a total area of the uprightportion.
 4. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein a freeend of at least one of the first segment and the second segment includesat least one of serrations and undulations.
 5. The roof ridge vortexsuppressor of claim 1, wherein: the base portion includes first andsecond base members, the first base member being configured to beattached to the first surface and the second base member beingconfigured to be attached to the second surface; and the upright portionincludes first and second upright members, the first upright memberextending from first base member to the first segment, and the secondupright member extending from the second base member to the secondsegment.
 6. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 5, wherein thefirst base member, the first upright member, and the first segment areintegrally defined by a first single piece of material, and wherein thesecond base member, the second upright member, and the second segmentare integrally defined by a second single piece of material.
 7. The roofridge vortex suppressor of claim 5, wherein an angle defined by thefirst upright member and the first base member is substantiallyidentical to an angle defined by the second upright member and thesecond base member.
 8. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 5,wherein each of the first upright member and the second upright memberhas perforations, and wherein perforations of the first upright memberare substantially aligned with perforations of the second uprightmember.
 9. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein arespective angle of about 90° is defined by the upright portion and eachof the first and second segments.
 10. The roof ridge vortex suppressorof claim 1, wherein the roof ridge vortex suppressor is elongated suchthat a length of the roof ridge vortex suppressor extends in a lengthdirection of the roof ridge.
 11. The roof ridge vortex suppressor ofclaim 1, wherein a generally horizontal distance from the uprightportion to a free edge of the first segment is about 0.2 to 1.0 times agenerally vertical distance from the base portion to the first segment.12. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein a generallyhorizontal distance from the upright portion to a free edge of thesecond segment is about 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distancefrom the base portion to the second segment.
 13. A vortex suppressingsystem associated with a pitched roof having sloped, generally planarfirst and second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge,the vortex suppressing system comprising: a fascia member attached to aperimeter of the roof adjacent to an edge of at least the first surface,the fascia member extending generally outwardly away from the perimeterof the roof and being generally curved to define a generally arch-shapedcross-sectional shape of an outer face of the fascia member; and theroof ridge vortex suppressor of claim
 1. 14. A vortex suppressing systemassociated with a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar first andsecond surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge, thevortex suppressing system comprising: a screen portion attached to aperimeter of the roof adjacent to an edge of at least the first surface,the screen portion extending generally laterally outwardly away from theperimeter of the roof to a free end of the screen portion, at least partof a top surface of the screen portion being substantially coplanar withthe first surface of the pitched roof; and the roof ridge vortexsuppressor of claim 1.